World Cancer Day on February 4, is observed to raise awareness of cancer in order to encourage its detection, prevention and treatment. Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as breasts, lungs or prostate. Cheltenham-based dental practice Illume wants to help raise awareness of mouth cancer and highlight the importance of regular screenings.

World Cancer Day is one initiative in which the entire world can unite in the fight against cancer. Mouth cancer is still relatively unknown and recent research has shown it is the eleventh most common cancer with more than 640,000 cases diagnosed each year worldwide. Mouth cancer is on the rise in the UK with the number of new cases on the increase by over 50% in the last decade.

Tim Rumney, practice owner and clinical director at Illume, says: “Mouth cancer can have devastating consequences including for those who survive, with some left unable to eat or speak, so this world day of action offers everyone an opportunity to be their voice.

Mouth cancer can develop in different forms and can affect most parts of the mouth, tongue and lips. The most common symptoms of mouth cancer appear as lumps in the mouth or lymph glands or as a mouth ulcer that doesn heal within several weeks.

“We encourage our clients to have regular screening which can help with early derection. Early diagnosis dramatically increases survival rates, eating a balanced healthy diet can also help protect against cancers.

If your Healthy Mouth Review is due or if you would like more advice on mouth cancer and the signs to look out for, please contact us to make an appointment.